Diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent microvascular complication in diabetes. Its early development indicates an increased cardiovascular risk. Since the early stages lack symptoms, yearly screening intervals are mandatory. Each retinopathy level determines evidence-based treatment with mutual interactive contributions from diabetology and ophthalmology. Intravitreal injection of inhibitors of the vascular endothelial growth factor may improve the so far only modestly successful therapy of diabetic macular edema.